Global Kimchi Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Kimchi Market Outlook

The global kimchi market size reached approximately USD 4032.63 million in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of around USD 6363.91 million by 2032.

Kimchi is a staple side dish of Korea that consists of salty fermented vegetables. Although the ingredients of this traditional banchan may vary, the dish is typically a combination of vegetables, ginger, garlic, chilli, pepper, salt, and fish sauce. The most commonly used vegetable for the preparation of kimchi is cabbage, however, carrots, radishes, cucumber, and scallions are also used frequently.

Kimchi is high in vitamins A and C, and the fermentation process generates beneficial probiotics, which are good for gut health. It is a low-calorie, high-fibre food, making it popular among health-conscious individuals. Regular consumption of kimchi is associated with various health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immunity, and potential reduction in cholesterol levels.

Kimchi is a fundamental part of Korean cuisine and culture, served with almost every meal. With the global spread of Korean culture and cuisine, kimchi has gained popularity worldwide, appreciated for its unique taste and health benefits. Outside Korea, kimchi is not only consumed as a side dish but also used in a variety of culinary creations like kimchi stews, kimchi fried rice, and even in fusion dishes.

Key Trends in the Market

Increased veganism and demand for plant-based options

The ongoing trend of veganism is gaining traction across the globe and is one of the major factors aiding the global kimchi market demand. Due to the rising demand for vegan products, kimchi is becoming a popular choice as the ingredients used in its preparation are purely plant-based.

Producers are adapting to this demand by offering vegan kimchi varieties. These are made using plant-based alternatives to traditional seafood ingredients while maintaining authentic flavours. There’s a growing emphasis on labelling and marketing kimchi as vegan-friendly, catering to the vegan market and those with dietary restrictions regarding animal products.

The popularity of veganism has encouraged chefs and food enthusiasts to experiment with kimchi in a variety of vegan dishes, expanding its use beyond traditional Korean cuisine. The trend of making homemade kimchi is particularly popular among vegans, as it allows for full control over the ingredients, ensuring they align with vegan principles.

Surge in trend of health and wellness across the world

The kimchi market growth can be attributed to the growing trend of health and wellness. Kimchi is widely regarded as a superfood due to its excellent antioxidants, anticarcinogenic, probiotics, and antimutagenic properties. It also contains compounds such as selenium and allicin and supports individuals in managing their cholesterol levels.

There is increasing awareness of the importance of gut health for overall wellness, and kimchi, being a fermented food, is rich in probiotics that are beneficial for gut flora. Kimchi is low in calories and high in vitamins (like vitamins C and K), minerals, and dietary fibre. This profile makes it attractive to health-conscious consumers.

As part of weight management diets, kimchi is appreciated for its low-calorie count and ability to improve digestion, making it a favourable choice for fitness enthusiasts. Kimchi is now also commonly available in health food stores and sections in supermarkets, aligning it with other health-oriented products.

The rising prominence of the Korean Wave or Hallyu wave

The Korean wave, fuelled by the growing South Korea’s cultural export, has led to an increased awareness regarding Korean food products, including kimchi. Hence, some of the key kimchi market trends include the growing appeal of Korean food and the expansion of distribution channels in countries like China.

The international success of K-dramas and K-pop has sparked curiosity and interest in Korean culture, including its cuisine. As viewers and fans seek to immerse themselves more in Korean culture, there is a growing interest in trying authentic Korean foods like kimchi. Korean media often showcases traditional Korean lifestyles and foods, including scenes of characters enjoying Korean meals, which frequently feature kimchi.

The proliferation of Korean restaurants around the world, driven partly by the Korean Wave, has introduced a wider audience to kimchi, often as a staple side dish. The influence of Korean culture has led to the incorporation of kimchi in various fusion dishes in restaurants and cafes worldwide, further popularising it beyond traditional Korean settings.

Global Kimchi Market Segmentation

On the basis of type, the market segmentations include kimchi relish, cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi, and red mustard leaf kimchi, among others. Based on nature, the market is divided into organic and conventional. By end use, the market is bifurcated into the food service industry and retail/household.

On the basis of region, the market segmentation includes North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global kimchi market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

• CHOI'S KIMCHI CO. 

• Daesang Corporation 

• CJ CheilJedang Corp. 

• Pulmuone Corporate 

• TOP GOURMET Food Industries Pte Ltd.

• Sinto Gourmet 

• Lucky Foods  

• Tazaki Foods Ltd.  

• Real Pickles  

• Mama O's Premium Kimchi  

• Others

Global Kimchi Market Analysis

The demand for organic kimchi is likely to significantly surge in the coming years. The increasing demand for natural and clean-labelled products, coupled with a rising interest in fermented foods, supports the segment’s growth.

Organic kimchi is often perceived as healthier due to the absence of chemical residues. This perception aligns with the broader trend of seeking out natural and minimally processed foods for health benefits. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food choices. Organic agriculture, which is seen as more sustainable and eco-friendly, appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Meanwhile, conventional kimchi is expected to witness significant demand in the coming years due to its affordability and widespread availability on different distribution channels.

Global Kimchi Market Share by Region

The Asia Pacific holds a considerable market share and is expected to expand at a significant rate in the forecast period. This can be attributed to the high production and consumption of kimchi in countries such as South Korea and China.

The presence of Korean communities and expatriates in various Asia-Pacific countries also contributes to the demand for kimchi, as diaspora communities seek familiar foods. Chefs and home cooks in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly experimenting with kimchi in local dishes, creating fusion cuisines that blend Korean flavours with local tastes.

At the same time, North America is also expected to witness notable growth in the forecast period due to a rise in the demand for vegan food and the growing popularity of cross-cultural cuisines. The United States is one of the largest importers of kimchi globally, due to the increase in demand for fermented foods and the incorporation of kimchi in snacks like burgers and wraps.

Competitive Landscape

Daesang Corporation is a South Korean conglomerate operating a diverse range of businesses, including food products, feed, and chemicals, among others. Founded in 1956, Daesang has grown into one of South Korea's leading companies, with a global presence and a strong reputation for its products and services. Daesang's food division produces a wide range of products, including sauces, condiments, and instant foods, among others. It is also popular for producing MSG (monosodium glutamate) and various other food additives.

CJ CheilJedang Corp, commonly known as CJ, is a major South Korean conglomerate with a significant presence in a variety of sectors. CJ CheilJedang primarily operates in the food and food service sectors, including food manufacturing, distribution, and restaurant businesses. Some of its well-known products include snacks, beverages, processed meats, and instant noodles.

Pulmuone Corporate is a South Korean food company that specialises in the production and distribution of a variety of food products. The company was founded in 1981 and has since grown to become one of the leading food companies in South Korea. Pulmuone is well-known for its focus on producing natural and healthy food products, with an emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices. The company's product lineup includes a wide range of items such as tofu, soy milk, noodles, dumplings, salads, and other fresh and packaged food items.

Other major players in the global kimchi market are CHOI’S KIMCHI CO., TOP GOURMET Food Industries Pte Ltd., Sinto Gourmet, Lucky Foods, Tazaki Foods Ltd., Real Pickles, and Mama O's Premium Kimchi, among others.

Key Highlights of the Report